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Last updated on March 12th, 2024 at 03:44 pm

Tom Schnabel of Schnabel Ranch in Eureka, South Dakota gives his feedback on Riomax.

Herd Details

  • 400hd seed stock operation

Fast Facts

  • Cut open cow herd from 10% down to 3%
  • Seeing pasture savings by cutting back an acre per pair
  • Better breed back
  • Consumption at 1/5lb/day/hd

Schnabel Ranch Simmentals, a 400hd seed stock operation based in Eureka, South Dakota, has the highest stocking rate in the area. How do they do it? Obviously, it takes a combination of things, but Tom believes that Riomax® has played a big part in achieving this.

Hear what made Tom switch to Riomax® supplements, how they compare to his old program, and why he's never looked back since starting on them over 8 years ago.

“We raise a cowherd of 550 cows; we got purebred Simmentals. We have an annual production sale on a Saturday every February. We've been using the Riomax® barrels for four years now. Been getting very good conception rates, and a lot less open cows by using them. Also getting help with the fetal programming of the calves, better uniformity in our calf crop, and better weight gain. 

We used to often run 10% open on the cow herd. In our first full year of using the barrels, we dropped down to 5% open. Every year since then, we've been getting another 1/2 to 3/4 percent better on our conception rates. With 500 cows, and an extra 5% bred, that's a lot of extra calves you got running around. An extra 25 - 30 calves running around here, $1,000 calves. I mean, who wouldn't take an extra $30,000? 

Consumption on Riomax® tubs, what they say it's where they stay. Being a stingy German, I try to pinch every penny possible. In the first year, we measured them to check consistency. Because they were transitioning to something totally new, we thought that they would over-consume. But, they stayed right where they needed to. 1/3 of a pound is the most that anything gets too. And that high end is primarily on our first-calf heifers who are in a little bit more confinement. They're growing and raising a calf at the same time, so they need some extra nutrients. 

Since we've been using the Riomax® barrels, our scrotal circumference and the fertility on our cattle has improved. We use the PG360™ barrel with the flax in there, and the omegas in there certainly helped with the scrotal development. We’ve been averaging 2-3 centimeters bigger than what we did prior. So, bigger scrotal development, more fertility, faster breeding, better results on the semen check. I mean, we checked 50 bulls this year and we only had 1 that was questionable. 

So I plan on staying with the product because it's doing what we need it to do. We're converting, we're getting the rate of gains that we want, we're getting the breed back we need, getting the development we want of the cattle, and, that's what it's all about. Try to get our initial return back and, you know, everybody wants to make a little money. If we can convert feed for fewer dollars, it's more money in our pocket that way. 

I can't say enough about it. Excellent product. Simple. Got everything you need. A little extra salt is all you got to add with it. And the customer service is there, so I just can't say enough about it.” 

Open cows, pounds you don't wean, sickness, or forage that goes out the back end don't make you money, do they?

A healthy herd drives profits higher. And a profitable ranch can withstand volatile markets and unpredictable weather. Gain control of your future.

15-30% forage & hay savings with Riomax

Riomax® is revolutionizing the way ranchers deal with high input costs. With better digestion, your herd can get all the nutrients they need from less grass. This leaves you with more days on grass (you start feeding later in the fall), less stress, and a more padded pocketbook.

RANCHING AIN'T EASY.

FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU DO, YOU DESERVE
MORE IN RETURN.

15 - 30% FORAGE SAVINGS

3 - 10% INCREASE IN CONCEPTION RATES

10 - 40 LBS. INCREASE IN WEANING WEIGHTS

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  • 44¢ USD per Head per Day (before quantity discounts)
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we've positively impacted 6,000+ ranches across north america. We'd love to work with you too.

“Hands down, it's the tub that pays for itself.“

“Hands down, it's the tub that pays for itself.“

Michael Franke
Cross Plains, TX

“It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s cost-effective.“

“It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s cost-effective.“

Chad Ledbetter
Okmulgee, OK

“We only fed hay for 16 days last winter – they were very content.“

“We only fed hay for 16 days last winter – they were very content.“

Arno Doerksen
Gem, AB

“Went from 40 acres/cow in this drought to 30 acres/cow – that’s $70/cow/year!“

“Went from 40 acres/cow in this drought to 30 acres/cow – that’s $70/cow/year!“

Raymond Rivale
Des Moines, NM

“With hay savings alone they’ll easily pay for themselves.“

“With hay savings alone they’ll easily pay for themselves.“

Clint Ebel
Herreid, SD

“Pays for itself just in the forage savings.“

“Pays for itself just in the forage savings.“

Boone Huffman
Chadron, NE

“Figuring 30% hay savings is huge – it’s saved our cow-herd during this drought.“

“Figuring 30% hay savings is huge – it’s saved our cow-herd during this drought.“

Buck Rich
Okemah, OK

“Compared to average of 450-500 lb in this country, we wean 600-650 lb calves.“

“Compared to average of 450-500 lb in this country, we wean 600-650 lb calves.“

Carter Williams
Willcox, AZ

“I wouldn’t be using it if it didn’t pay for itself. I’m a cheapskate by nature.“

“I wouldn’t be using it if it didn’t pay for itself. I’m a cheapskate by nature.“

Kim Siebert
Henderson, NE

“The proof is in the pudding – conception rates, feed utilization.“

“The proof is in the pudding – conception rates, feed utilization.“

Tom Schnabel
Eureka, SD

“Main thing is stretching poor quality feeds – cattle are always content.“

“Main thing is stretching poor quality feeds – cattle are always content.“

Dustin Heitkamp
Wyndmere, ND

“We’ve been feeding Riomax® for 4 years now – we’ll continue – it pays for itself.“

“We’ve been feeding Riomax® for 4 years now – we’ll continue – it pays for itself.“

Tom Perkins
McIntosh, NM

“The cost gets offset with better conception rates, less hay costs.“

“The cost gets offset with better conception rates, less hay costs.“

Alan Ista
Hulett, WY

“They pay for themselves in conception rates and feed conversion.“

“They pay for themselves in conception rates and feed conversion.“

Will Stafford
Holdenville, OK

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ENJOY ONGOING SUPPORT

Our herd health guides are here to ensure Riomax® is working for you.

CONNECT WITH US FOR A LISTENING SESSION

Help us understand your ranch, the challenges you face, and the needs of your herd.

FIND THE RIGHT NUTRITION PROGRAM

Every ranch is different. Get tub that makes the most sense for your ranch. Shipped direct or through our dealer network.

ENJOY ONGOING SUPPORT

Our herd health guides are here to ensure Riomax® is working for you.

Are input costs eating your profits? Hold on to your fair share.

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